New profession woman's league players will make more than AHL players
There is currently only one women's professional hockey league called the PHF. But the PWHPA, made up of some of the top stars in the game, was not able to come to terms on merging and creating an all encompassing women's super league. The PWHPA has the talent and the PHF currently has the infrastructure. But now the PWHPA is taking matters into their own hands.
Over the last week new details have emerged about the new women's professional hockey league and they are encouraging. The PWHPA will run in 2023 from January until April. The league will consist of 6 teams throughout Canada and the United States. What's really raised some eyebrows though are the finances.
Unlike the WNBA where the NBA helps keep the league afloat by giving $10-15 million a year in financing, the NHL will have zero affiliation with the PWHPA. Being an upstart league, players will only make on average a salary of $55,000 per season with a minimum of $35,000 per player. Players will also receive a full health benefit plan. This may not seem like a lot compared to professional men's hockey players but once you look further into the numbers, this is a huge step for women's hockey.
The American Hockey League currently has a league minimum salary of $52,500 per year. Over a 72 game season that works out to $729 per game. The PWHPA is proposing a 32-game schedule. With a minimum salary of $35,000 that works out to $1093.75 per game, $364.75 more per game than an AHL player. The other advantage the PWHPA has by their shortened season is this will give players more opportunity to make money outside of hockey or participate in international tournaments.
The league will come out with a new name when host cities for teams are announced. There are still a lot of details to iron out but this is promising for the women's game. Hockey is at its best when everyone has a chance to play.
This is a huge step forward for the women's game and should help women's hockey take major steps forward.
| POLL | ||
Would you watch the PWHPA? | ||
| Yes, as long as it's competitive | 98 | 60.1 % |
| No, I'm not interested | 65 | 39.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
